TOKYO (Reuters) - Coca-Cola Co <KO.N>, the world's biggest
drinks maker, is seeking more acquisition opportunities in the
fast-growing soft drinks market to expand its revenue sources,
the company's CEO-in-waiting said on Tuesday.

Sales of established soft drinks are declining in the
United States as people opt for the likes of bottled water and
tea, which they see as healthier.

"You will see us grow organically as well as through
targeted acquisitions," said Coca-Cola Chief Operating Officer
Muhtar Kent, who is due to become chief executive officer on
July 1.

Kent told reporters at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of
Japan that such acquisitions would not be large, and the
company was looking from country to country for opportunities,
though he didn't specify where.

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Coca-Cola, whose rivals include PepsiCo Inc <PEP.N> and Dr
Pepper Snapple Group Inc <DPS.N>, has benefited from its recent
acquisition of FUZE teas and Glaceau vitamin water, which have
helped boost the company's sales.

The Atlanta-based company, which gets 78 percent of its
sales abroad, also bought Russian juice maker Multon in 2005
for $500 million.

"There is no better industry, truly we believe, to be in
than the non-alcohol beverage business," said Kent.

He added that the soft drinks market was growing faster
than most other categories of consumer products such as
cosmetics, toiletries and beers.

"We see huge opportunities in every category (of soft
drinks)," he said.

Kent also reiterated Coke's long-term targets of increasing
annual sales volume by 3 to 4 percent, operating income by 6 to
8 percent and earnings-per-share by a high single-digit
percentage rate.

On April 16, Coca-Cola reported a higher-than-expected
quarterly profit as strong international growth offset the
effects of a weak U.S. economy and flat sales volume at home.

Coke's international business, especially in places like
China, India, Brazil and Turkey, has grown more important to
investors in recent years as growth slows in mature markets
like North America.

On Monday, Coke shares closed up 25 cents, or 0.5 percent,
at $56.40 on the New York Stock Exchange.